For some, topiary provides a creative gift for someone special. For some, topiary is an imaginative way to add interest to a home or garden. For others, topiary is a favorite hobby, plants to prune and shape into whatever fanciful shape one can devise. No matter which category of topiary enthusiast you fall into, Serenata has a topiary frames for you, from classic helix shapes to sentimental hearts.

European topiary dates to Julius Caesar’s Roman empire. Records exist which describe elaborate figures of animals constructed from carefully clipped plants. Topiary was a favorite way of bringing a miniature landscape to the atriums of Roman villas.

There a two basics types of plant used in topiary. Woody evergreens with small leaves, dense foliage and compact growth habits are used for topiary shaped without frames. Buxus sempervirens, also known as European Box, is a favored choice. For topiary frames crafted with shaped wire cages, trailing plants like ivy are sometimes chosen. Ilex crenata, or Japanese Holly, with its small, glossy leaves, makes an excellent choice for either type of topiary.

Blooming plants like geraniums, azaleas and camellia can also be trained into topiary. The primary consideration in choosing a plant for topiary is to select a variety that will grow as large as the height of the finished topiary.

Regular pruning is the most important part of caring for topiary. Snip new growth when shoots reach about 7 centimeters. Pruning plants at the tip forces them to send their growth outward, making topiaries fuller and more dense.

Serenata offers topiary frames with starter plants in an assortment of shapes. Animals include those one might find in many gardens, such as snails, squirrels, cats, hedgehogs, roosters and geese. A whimsical dolphin is available as well, a perfect companion for a garden fountain.